[CW: Heavy relationship/low self-esteem issues]

Rose was deep in thought, though she would probably not be able to say what she was thinking of if interrupted. Her basket with supplies from the shops was less full than it used to be. Andrew was giving her less money for groceries these days and she was afraid to ask why, probably because she suspected the answer. He felt that her meals weren't worth the money. Every day his silence became more oppressive. She felt the accusation in every sigh, in the way he averted his eyes when she tried to search them, in the way he slept so far on the the edge of their bed it was a miracle he hadn't fallen out yet. He regretted marrying her and he was treating her with all the civility he could muster. He was probably too much of a gentleman to allow himself to tell her that he felt tricked and deceived. Despite the disappointment she was too him, he did not want to hurt her feelings by admitting that openly. But his silence and distance expressed it all the same.

A familiar form stopped her in her tracks and in her thoughts. Rose had heard of Pearl's elopement, but she had never bothered to go see her after that, or even taken the trouble to write. She didn't know why, but once a little time had passed, it was the shame of not reaching out in the first place that stopped her. Her poor friend - if she could still call her that - looked sick.

"Pearl?" she said timidly, "Are you alright?"